NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016
pasadena humane society & spca
Companion Animals Make a Difference The holiday season is full of friends, family and festivities. For Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) companion animal volunteers it’s also a special time to give back to the community. Our pet therapy teams provide comfort to senior citizens in assisted and independent living, hospital patients, and young people in residential facilities that address crisis intervention. These visits help PHS connect with the community while strengthening the human-animal bond. For Polly Wheaton and her dog Madeline, the program has been a way to make a difference in the community for years. She notes that residents love getting to know them and look forward to seeing them. “For many people, our companion animal teams are the only visitors they have,” she says, so each visit makes a huge difference in residents’ lives.
She remembers one hospital visit where they met a young woman in a wheelchair. “Madeline walked up to her and gave her a great big kiss on the ear,” Polly recalls, “and her face just lit up. It’s wonderful to see them, to give each resident a little bit of joy.” Our therapy pets are friendly, peopleoriented companion animals. The (continued on back page)
compassion and care for all animals
LEADER OF THE PACK I loved the holidays when I was a kid. The lights, the colors, the weather, all got me excited about family, my neighbors and of course the many gifts that my brother and I received. When I was about 10, my parents announced that we were going to each forgo a gift and give the money to a charity instead. Once I got over my initial tantrum, they explained that there were so many causes that needed support and that helping others was the real reason for the holidays. We sat around the table and unanimously decided to give the money to our local animal shelter in honor of our dog Kelly who passed away a few months earlier. The Bank Family Giving became an annual tradition that continues with my family today. My son and I sat down the other day to discuss our holiday plans after visiting the shelter one afternoon. He said, “Mom, I saw the fluffy dog in the clinic that needed to have an operation on his leg. If I give up a second holiday present, do you think I can give it to the shelter so he can get fixed?� After telling him how proud I was of him, I made sure to call my mother to let her know that we still remember the true meaning of giving and caring. This edition of Scoop brings you wonderful stories about the programs that the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA offers to help people and animals in need. It highlights one of our unsung heroes, Dr. Eng, who helps with our rescued wildlife. It also brings you a guide on how you can help homeless animals during this special time. Start your own family traditions today and make a difference in the lives of homeless animals---donate, adopt, volunteer. Thanks in advance for your support. On behalf of all of the animals and humans at PHS, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday and new year. Sincerely,
Julie Bank President/CEO
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COMMUNITY HEROES
Curtis Eng, DVM Curtis Eng, DVM, has been a fixture in the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) wildlife department over the past two years. Whether he’s splinting a baby bird’s broken wing bone or treating a sick young opossum, Dr. Eng volunteers his time as a wildlife and exotics veterinarian. He provides outstanding care to the nearly 4,000 wild critters and the many adoptable exotic animals PHS takes in each year.
to perform surgery on animals in need, like a bearded dragon who required a leg amputation due to a severe bone infection. He loves helping out at PHS. “The PHS Wildlife program is a tremendous community service,” says Dr. Eng. “It’s wonderful to be able to give back to nature by providing these animals the best care possible.” With over 25 years in the field, Dr. Eng is constantly learning and working with new animals. Before becoming an Associate Professor at Western University, Dr. Eng served as Chief Veterinarian and Manager of the California Condor Program at the Los Angeles Zoo. He has also volunteered with other programs supporting rare creatures like the black-footed ferret, desert tortoise and peninsular pronghorn. In his spare time, Dr. Eng still picks up shifts at the Exotic Animal Care Center in Pasadena.
Dr. Eng’s relationship with PHS began as we sought to increase our capacity for wildlife care. An externship program was created where third year veterinary students at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine assist PHS staff with wildlife husbandry and get hands-on medical instruction under Dr. Eng’s supervision. During his visits to PHS, Dr. Eng makes the rounds. He examines new arrivals and follows up with ongoing cases. Dr. Eng books time in our veterinary clinic
We cannot thank Dr. Eng enough for sharing his expertise and providing top notch care to thousands of wild and exotic animals at PHS each year. Our goal is to prevent wild and exotic companion animals from entering the shelter system. But, for the ones in our care, we rely on Dr. Eng and communities members like you. For more information on coexisting or volunteering with wildlife, visit pasadenahumane.org.
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PET ED.
Is Your Dog a Model Citizen? The Canine Good Citizen certification is one of many community-oriented behavior programs the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) offers. PHS Behavior & Training Manager Caitlin Wolfe helps explain the program. What is the Canine Good Citizen Program? The Canine Good Citizen Program encourages dogs to have good manners at home and in their community. Run by the American Kennel Club, the program aims to foster responsible pet ownership. Dogs who are certified Canine Good Citizens should be able to safely and calmly navigate a variety of challenging real-world scenarios. The basis of the program is good training; to that end, PHS offers Canine Good Citizen prep classes throughout the year.
What can my dog and I expect from the test?
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You and your dog must pass a series of ten tests. These tests cover situations your dog may encounter regularly such as environmental distractions, strangers and other dogs. Your dog will need to demonstrate their mastery of sit, down and stay commands, and must be able to come to you when you call them. Your dog will also need to demonstrate the ability to remain calm with the
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evaluator while you leave for a few minutes. The entire test is done without the aid of treats. The test also requires you to sign a responsible dog owner’s pledge, indicating that you will be responsible for your dog’s health, safety and quality of life, and that you won’t allow your dog to infringe on others’ rights
What benefits come from the CGC certification? Becoming CGC certified is a great way for you and your dog to be upstanding members of your community. Many landlords and home insurance companies highly value CGC certification. If you’re interested in having your dog become a therapy dog, the CGC certification is a good first step on that path. The best reward, however, is the strengthened bond between you and your pup as you work together toward the certification. For more information on upcoming CGC prep classes and tests, visit pasadenahumane.org/training.
HAPPY TAILS
A Tortoise’s Triumph When Tilly G. arrived at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) as an unnamed stray in April 2016, she was not in good shape. The young sulcata tortoise suffered from a debilitating respiratory infection, had a crack in her shell and was underweight. Our volunteer wildlife and exotics veterinarian, Dr. Eng, stepped in with a treatment plan for the tortoise. Meanwhile, Karen Sisneros had recently moved to a house with a large, secure backyard with lush greenery, and was ready to bring home her first tortoise. “I think there is something so beautiful, calming and peaceful about tortoises,” says Karen. “I’ve always loved them.” As big proponents of pet adoption, Karen and her husband searched local shelters and saw Tilly G’s listing on the Pasadena Humane website. Once Tilly G. was given a clean bill of health, Karen rushed over to PHS with her family for a meet and greet. It was an instant connection. Karen brought Tilly G. to her home that day. Tilly G. immediately began to enjoy her garden paradise. She has her own secure housing fitted with a heat lamp and enjoys a weekly soak in a warm tub. Karen also recently planted an edible garden for both herself and Tilly G.
“She absolutely loves her new forever home,” says Karen. “We really love watching her cruise around the backyard and we love feeding her organic dark leafy greens and veggies.” Tilly G. has continued to gain weight and is absolutely thriving in her forever home. How has your animal companion made a difference in your life? When did you first adopt from PHS? Share your adoption story with us by emailing us at pr@ pasadenahumane.org with “Scoop Happy Tails” in the subject line. Your story may be featured in a future issue of Scoop, on our website, or on our social media channels! Include a high resolution photo (at least 3 MB at 300 dpi) and your story (no more than 300 words).
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HELP US “GROW” PHS
Holiday Gift Guide Happy Holidays from all the animals at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA! Our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide will help you find the perfect gift this holiday season while helping animals in need.
HOLIDAY CARDS Looking for a meaningful gift for your loved ones? Make a donation in honor or memory of a special person or pet that has changed your life. PHS will mail a personalized holiday card or email an e-card letting your loved one or their family know a gift has been made. Please visit pasadenahumane.org/ tributegifts or call 626.792.7151 ext. 164 for more information.
GIFT CERTIFICATES PHS gift certificates come in any denomination and can be redeemed at the Shelter Shop or used toward pet adoption fees, spay/neuter services or training classes. Certificates may be purchased in the front office, the Shelter Shop or by calling 626.792.7151 ext. 125.
AMAZONSMILE Next time you wish to shop on Amazon, visit smile.amazon. com and choose Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA as your preferred charity to ensure a portion of your order is donated to PHS.
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WISHLIST & DONATION DRIVES When making your list and checking it twice, don’t forget the animals at the shelter waiting to find their forever homes. Shop for the animals by visiting pasadenahumane.org/wishlist. Don’t forget, the holidays are the perfect time to conduct your own donation drive by asking others to donate food, litter and other items to help animals at the shelter.
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AFFILIATES From planning the perfect holiday meal to checking off your gift list, our Affiliates are sure to have what you need. The best part? Retailers such as Vroman’s, Shen & Sam Co., Ralphs and Minted will generously donate a portion of the proceeds to help support PHS. For more information, please visit pasadenahumane.org/affiliates. PERMANENT TRIBUTE Consider commemorating a loved one permanently on the PHS Tribute Sculpture this holiday season. For only $300 a line, make a lasting, permanent dedication to a special person or animal companion. For more information visit pasadenahumane.org/sculpture or call 626.792.7151 ext. 130. COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS Create your own fundraiser for PHS during the holidays. Host a game night, have a bake sale, or plan a neighborhood yard sale. Donate the proceeds from your community fundraiser to help the animals at PHS. Visit www.lovephs.org or call 626.792.7151 ext. 164 to get started.
CONSTANT COMPANION End the year by joining Constant Companions, a monthly giving program to support the animals at PHS. Make a difference, not only for the holidays, but all year long, as your donations save the lives of countless animals. To join, please visit pasadenahumane.org/constantcompanions.
YEAR END GIVING The holiday season is a great time to make a difference in an animal’s life. Your year end donation provides food, shelter and medical care for the animals in our community. To show your support and change the life of an animal, make your donation at pasadenahumane.org/donate.
When you donate to the Pasadena Humane Society, you help animals in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is not part of any national animal organization. All of the funds you contribute to PHS stay locally. Donate to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and help the animals in your community.
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361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
PAID
Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142
Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
Companion Animals Make a Difference (continued from page 1) program currently has 36 dog teams and 1 cat team. All dogs have received their Canine Good Citizen certification (see page 4) to ensure every person they meet has a good animal experience. PHS companion animal volunteers also participate in Barks & Books,
a reading enrichment program for children hosted at 18 libraries in our service cities. If you have a friendly, outgoing dog or cat that is good with people of all ages, go to pasadenahumane. org/volunteer to learn more about volunteering with our companion animal program.
Facility Hours
The Shelter Shop Hours
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am–6 pm Sat 9 am–5 pm Sun 11 am–5 pm
Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm Sat 9 am–5 pm Sun 11 am–5 pm
Adoption Hours
www.pasadenahumane.org
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am–5 pm Sat 9 am–4 pm Sun 11 am–4 pm
24 hour Emergency Service please call 626.792.7151. Glendale residents please call toll-free 818.240.9100